The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel JS IKAZUCHI docked at the Port of Davao to reinforce longstanding friendship and growing cooperation between Japan and the Philippines. Its crew held meetings with Philippine Navy officials, including Naval Force Eastern Mindanao chief Commodore Ireneo D. Battung, to highlight joint efforts for regional stability and maritime security.
Davao City mayor Sebastian Duterte toured the ship on May 30 to welcome the officers and crew. Around 50 Japanese residents based in Davao also visited the vessel, strengthening community and people-to-people links. The visit concluded June 1 with a joint goodwill exercise off Davao waters alongside Philippine Navy ship BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS37). Japan reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Philippines toward a free and open Indo-Pacific, closer maritime collaboration, and enduring bilateral ties.
